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trying to extend windows desktop onto external monitor Joe 03-02-2008
Posted by Joe on March 2, 2008, 9:35 pm
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 but when I do it all I get is the screen saver, no icons or mouse. I'm
not sure how I actually get it to show any programs. I'm doing this
because my laptop lcd is dead but I can see it if I use a flashlight.
The Display Properties doesn't allow me to make the 2nd monitor my
primary it only allows me to click the checkbox to extend my windows
desktop onto this monitor. I'd like to use the external monitor as my
primary screen How can I do that?

Posted by Joe on March 2, 2008, 10:10 pm
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> but when I do it all I get is the screen saver, no icons or mouse. I'm
> not sure how I actually get it to show any programs. I'm doing this
> because my laptop lcd is dead but I can see it if I use a flashlight.
> The Display Properties doesn't allow me to make the 2nd monitor my
> primary it only allows me to click the checkbox to extend my windows
> desktop onto this monitor. I'd like to use the external monitor as my
> primary screen How can I do that?

I figured it out, had to hit the fn and crt/lcd button, duh!

Posted by Chuck G. on March 2, 2008, 10:13 pm
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> but when I do it all I get is the screen saver, no icons or mouse. I'm
> not sure how I actually get it to show any programs. I'm doing this
> because my laptop lcd is dead but I can see it if I use a flashlight.
> The Display Properties doesn't allow me to make the 2nd monitor my
> primary it only allows me to click the checkbox to extend my windows
> desktop onto this monitor. I'd like to use the external monitor as my
> primary screen How can I do that?

My laptop has Windows XP and the Display Properties is like what you
describe for my second monitor. If I click on the "Advanced" button, I have
ATI specific configuration tabs for the ATI graphics card. One of those
tabs is labeled "ATI Displays" and from there I can swap the monitors (there
is an option for "Monitor" and "Panel" to make them display 1 or 2 - you
would want to change "Monitor" to be #1). Apparently the ATI Displays
overrides the basic Windows Display Properties for swapping monitors. If
you don't have ATI graphics, your laptop may still have this type of tool
for whatever graphics card you do have.

Good luck.

- Chuck



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